Vietnam accelerates nuclear power project to bolster energy security, says PM
VOV.VN - Vietnam is stepping up efforts to develop nuclear power as part of its strategy to strengthen energy security and meet long-term climate goals, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said on January 7.
Chairing the fourth meeting of the government’s steering committee on nuclear power plant construction, the PM said nuclear energy would play a critical role in providing stable, high-quality electricity while supporting Vietnam’s transition toward cleaner energy and its target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Officials at the meeting said growing energy demand and global uncertainty make it essential for Vietnam to diversify power sources, particularly low-carbon options. Nuclear power, they added, would complement renewable energy and help ensure long-term supply stability.
The Prime Minister praised progress made so far, including the issuance of new government resolutions to separate compensation and resettlement work from plant construction and to introduce special investment mechanisms for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. Preparations for financing, land clearance and regulatory implementation have also advanced.
However, the Government leader warned that several tasks were lagging behind schedule, citing slow negotiations with foreign partners, insufficient funding for site clearance and incomplete legal frameworks as risks to project timelines.
He directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to complete procedures to terminate the previous cooperation agreement for the Ninh Thuan 2 plant and prepare new negotiations based on the principle of shared risks and balanced interests. The ministry was also instructed to accelerate talks on the Ninh Thuan 1 plant and resolve outstanding issues by January 2026.
Other ministries were assigned responsibilities ranging from legal and diplomatic support to developing national nuclear standards, securing credit agreements and preparing specialised human resources for the sector.
Local authorities in Khanh Hoa province were told to complete resettlement and land clearance preparations in the first quarter of 2026, ensuring relocated residents maintain living standards equal to or better than before.
State-owned Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) was tasked with coordinating negotiations with Russia on the Ninh Thuan 1 plant, while the Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group (PVN) was asked to propose partners with advanced nuclear technologies for the Ninh Thuan 2 plant.